Gemma Ferrari Sciuto-Alverson

March 13, 1987 - April 1, 2018

Gemma Ferrari Sciuto-Alverson, age 31 of Mattoon, IL, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, while fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma. The funeral service in her honor will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Pastor Travis Spencer will officiate. The visitation will be held the same day at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. A reception in Gemma’s honor will be held following the services at the Mattoon VFW for all to attend. A public graveside ceremony will take place at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Rockton Township Cemetery in Rockton, IL. Gemma was born on March 13, 1987 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Francesca F. Sciuto and James Alverson. She was a graduate from Stillman Valley High School and Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Gemma met Keith Walton in college and they were married on June 16, 2012 at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL. Gemma and Keith moved to Mattoon, IL where she worked for the United States Postal Office as a postal carrier, a job that she loved. She enjoyed working everyday with her coworkers and customers. Gemma was proud of her Italian heritage and was able to share a trip with her husband and mother to Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. She was a gifted writer, with putting thoughts to paper with such ease. She had a lifelong love for animals, including her two dogs, Penny and Scarlet, two cats, Butters and Callie, a pig, Faith, and her birds. Gemma enjoyed working with her hands, fixing things and remodeling her home with her husband. She also wrote music and was an avid guitar and drum player. Gemma and Keith would occasionally sing and play at the local coffee shop in Charleston, IL. She is survived by her devoted husband, Keith Walton of Mattoon, IL; her loving and caring mother Francesca Scuito and husband Christopher Onsgard; one generous uncle, Tony Sciuto and wife Kim; caring in-laws, Gary and Jeanne Walton; sisters-in-law, Gina Hayunga and husband Tim, Laura Walton; one niece, Addyson Hayunga; and dear friend, Kelly Gillis. Gemma was a caring person who would do anything for people or animals, and greatly loved her family and friends. She was known for her hard work, loyalty and generosity. She was a great role model to many. Memorials in Gemma’s honor may be made to the family in care of Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home or Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 Co Rd 1120 East, Charleston, IL. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.